Summer Mentorship Program History

The Summer Mentorship Program (SMP) was founded in 1994 by the Faculty of Medicine and the Toronto District School Board, together with the Association for the Advancement of Blacks in the Health Sciences. The program was created to help address concerns about the under-representation of Black and Indigenous people within the health sciences. The key individuals who contributed significantly to establish the SMP were Dr. Miriam Rossi, Dr. Dominick Shelton, Diana Alli, Harold Braithwaite, Gerry Connelly, Dr. Kristine Whitehead, Fred Chan and Kelvin Andrews.

Over more than 20 years the SMP has had more than 900 students complete the program — and many of those students have since entered professional faculties and health care professions. We invite approximately 60 students to participate in this four-week program annually. Graduates of the SMP enjoy the benefit of being part of the Summer Mentorship Program Alumni Society (SMPAS) which include continued networking and professional development.

The Summer Mentorship Program was an integral part of my development in high school and beyond. The program provided role models and unique experiences in various health science fields, along with support and guidance throughout my undergraduate years. I was also able to meet like-minded peers who aspired to have careers in health sciences as well. I not only aspire to continue in my career as a Medical Doctor, but I also have a goal to provide guidance for youth who wish to explore careers in medicine.